Method and apparatus for attaching automotive lighting and other accessories

Abstract

The present invention provides an improvement for the attachment of lighting or other accessories to a vehicle. In one configuration, a light box is attached to the rear of a vehicle by the use of a novel attachment feature, namely attachment via the use of protruding chain loops. Other accessories may similarly be attached thereto through similar means.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for attachment to a vehicle, said vehicle having a first chain loop and a receiver hitch sleeve member defining a receiver sleeve hitch member opening, said first chain loop configured for attachment relative to a trailer safety chain, said first chain loop being rigid and rigidly attached relative to the frame of said vehicle, said receiver hitch sleeve opening configured for accepting a trailer hitch mount, said device comprising:
 A) a clamping panel configured to be selectively attached relative to said first chain loop;   B) a light box mounting flange rigidly attached relative to said clamping panel;   C) a retainer clamp separate from elements A-B;   D) a light member separate from elements A-C and detachably attached relative to said light box mounting flange; and   E) an elongate fastener separate from elements A-D and configured to connect to said clamping panel and also configured to connect to said retainer clamp, such that said clamping panel and said retainer clamp combine to fixedly capture said first chain loop therebetween, thus providing a selective fixed installed connection between said first chain loop and said clamping panel,   such that when said clamping panel is in place due to said selective installed connection, said light box mounting flange and said light member are likewise installed.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate fastener includes a headed bolt and nut combination. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said elongate fastener has an elongate portion which passes through corresponding holes in said retainer clamp, said first chain loop, and said clamping panel. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said elongate fastener has an elongate portion which passes through corresponding holes in said retainer clamp, said first chain loop, and said clamping panel. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity. 
     
     
         8 . A device for attachment to a vehicle, said vehicle having a first chain loop and a receiver hitch sleeve member defining a receiver sleeve hitch member opening, said first chain loop configured for attachment relative to a trailer safety chain, said first chain loop being rigid and rigidly attached relative to the frame of said vehicle, said receiver hitch sleeve opening configured for accepting a trailer hitch mount, said device comprising:
 A) a clamping panel configured to be selectively attached relative to said first chain loop;   B) a light box mounting flange rigidly attached relative to said clamping panel;   C) a second chain loop member rigidly attached relative to said clamping panel;   D) a retainer clamp separate from elements A-C;   E) a light member separate from elements A-D and detachably attached relative to said light box mounting flange; and   F) an elongate fastener separate from elements A-E and configured to connect to said clamping panel and also configured to connect to said retainer clamp, such that said clamping panel and said retainer clamp combine to fixedly capture said first chain loop therebetween, thus providing a selective fixed installed connection between said first chain loop and said clamping panel,   such that when said clamping panel is in place due to said selective installed connection, said light box mounting flange, said light member, and said second chain loop member are likewise installed, and   said second chain loop is available for use in place of said first chain loop.   
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said elongate fastener includes a headed bolt and nut combination. 
     
     
         10 . The device as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said elongate fastener has an elongate portion which passes through corresponding holes in said retainer clamp, said first chain loop, and said clamping panel. 
     
     
         11 . The device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity. 
     
     
         12 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said elongate fastener has an elongate portion which passes through corresponding holes in said retainer clamp, said first chain loop, and said clamping panel. 
     
     
         13 . The device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said first chain loop defines a first chain loop cavity, and further comprising a locating spacer defining a hole therein for accepting a length of said elongate fastener, said locating spacer when installed providing a spacing feature within said first chain loop cavity.